How Dell repels attempts to buy its 'open source' PC

ell this week received much praise for releasing a new version of its "open source" PC. The computer fits into Dell's n Series range of Windows-less systems. These ship with a copy of FreeDOS in the packaging material - but not installed on the PC - which is apparently a bizarre concession to Microsoft. While Dell garners glowing reviews for shipping such an open source OS-friendly product, the company's new E510n actually stands as yet another example of how hard Dell tries not to sell non-Microsoft gear.

If Dell has an official press release touting the E510n, we sure can't find it. In addition, the company doesn't present the n Series systems to customers looking for desktops on a standard shopping page. Instead, you'll have to go ahead and search for "n Series" on Dell's web site to find the gear. But even then you've only just started your journey.